Rumor du jour: Chrysler Imperial in the mix for 2010
According to Edmunds Inside Line, DaimlerChrysler appears to be readying suppliers for production of the love/hate Imperial that debuted at the 2006 NAIAS in January. Perhaps the most interesting news is that DCX isn't only thinking about the possibility of utilizing a derivation of the LX/LY platform (which underpins the 300, Magnum, and Charger)--it's mulling dropping it on the chassis of the next-gen Mercedes-Benz R-Class crossover for 2010.
The current (and initial) iteration of the slow-selling R-Class is 203 inches in length--close to that of the Imperial concept's 214-inch elephantine span, and the present iteration has already proven its flexibility, accommodating a range of engines, transmissions and driveline configurations.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Gardiner Westbound 7:47AM (3/02/2006)
The photos make it look very chunky, like an overinflated child's toy. It must look better in real life.
Reply
Paul 8:03AM (3/02/2006)
Looks like there tryin to look more like a rolls royce or a bentley.lots of people like the looks of the chrysler 300.good job
Reply
JZeke 8:08AM (3/02/2006)
I really hope they rethink the "ghetto rolls" styling on this car regardless of the chassis. Whats wrong with trying some different architecture thats at once American AND elegant?
I work on yachts and sport yachts for a living, and it feels like recent American super-luxury products are at best a riff on Italian or British designs. I know people who choose American luxury products tend to be more conservative than those who buy a Riva, Wally or a Pagani. That still doesnt excuse designers of American luxury products of copycat-ism.
Cadillac almost lead a mini-revolution with its flamboyant (in proportions) yet restrained (in detailing) V16 concept of 2003. I dont see why Chrysler cant move that game forward in a radical yet tasteful way. This current Imperial is neither.
Reply
Puff Chippy 8:20AM (3/02/2006)
Looks like DCX has another hit on their hands if they make this one. It's a very beautiful and distinctive design. GM and Ford should take a styling lesson here if they didn't already in response to the 300/Charger.
Reply
CJ 8:24AM (3/02/2006)
It's not any better in real life really. Still chunky. Somebody will like it enough tho, just not my cup of tea. (Although I'm not a person they would be marketing it towards.)
Reply
Dan 9:44AM (3/02/2006)
Ewww... I was hoping this was a joke.
This has to be one of the worst designs that I've ever seen, including the Pontiac Aztek. Seriously, it looks like a fattened-up version of a Reliant K.
Why don't they just keep making the 300, and let those who are so inclined "pimp" them out with different grilles, chrome trim and stupid 20" rims?
Reply
Gunnar Heinrich 10:43AM (3/02/2006)
So if the Chrysler 300 was a Bentley knock off, the Imperial is a Phantom knock off?
http://www.automobilesdeluxe.blogspot.com
Reply
Mark 11:07AM (3/02/2006)
Slow selling R-Class? It outsold both the M-Class and E-Class in February. How is it "slow selling"?
Reply
NEBTEK2002 11:16AM (3/02/2006)
Count me among those who find this thing appalling.
The front end belongs on an over-the-road
tractor rig, not a luxury car.
By the way, if you're going to mix chrome and body color in your front end;blacked-out grille, fully-chromed bumper works much better for me than the opposite approach that's currently in vogue.
The classic Imperial, in my mind is the '64-'66 model run. Chrome, when properly applied, such as on these Imperials and the "suicide-door" '60s Lincolns, is awesome. Those cars had a thin strip of chrome around each wheelwell and a cap-strip of chrome fore-to-aft atop the fenders, doors and quarter panels. Their wheelcovers were fairly plain, yet elegant. Chrome as an accent, not as the focal point of the car--very tasteful.
Sticking it all on the Freightliner-sized wheels and grille and leaving the body dead-plain doesn't work for me.
Tone down the grille and switch to sensibly-sized wheels with a satin-finish chrome. Put a tastefully-modest cap piece of chrome down the length of the body and it might stand a chance with me.
Reply
JarryHames 11:19AM (3/02/2006)
I was also hoping that this car was a joke. I cannot believe that it going into production! I agree, this car is ghetto for sure. Chrysler needs to focus on refining their current hit, 300M. It is also quite ghetto. The only thing that they have going for them is the much hyped HEMI-roid.
Reply
TriShield 11:50AM (3/02/2006)
Building an Imperial is fine, but not if it's this concept. This is one awful looking show car and a blatant, Chinese-style ripoff of the Rolls Royce Phantom. This is unacceptable.
If Chrysler is hellbent on keeping this shape, they should make it look like a 21st century Airflight which might actually work with the proportions. That would be much more original and interesting than making a cheap Phantom and calling it an Imperial.
Reply
George 12:05PM (3/02/2006)
Somehow the appeal of this bloated tank of a car is lost on me.
Reply
J 12:07PM (3/02/2006)
if cars of 2010 look like that, i'm going to stop buying cars...
Reply
V?or Rubiera 12:08PM (3/02/2006)
The new Imperial should have the lines from the 64 Imperial, also it has to loose the Chrysler name and have suicide doors.
Reply
Jen 12:49PM (3/02/2006)
Think its pretty stylish
Reply
nastinupe 1:21PM (3/02/2006)
This is the best car in the world!!! It is something totally new and exciting. It is taking the automotive world to the next level. This is the car that we have been waiting for. When I first saw it, I knew that this will be the show stopper.
DC... you are headed in the right direction. The Imperial will take away sales from the DTS for sure.
Reply
Matt Keegan 1:29PM (3/02/2006)
The Imperial will be built and it is likely to incorporate design cues from the current LX body vehicles, the Bentley, as well as my great aunt's divan:
http://thearticlewriter.com/autowriter/is-there-an-imperial-in-chryslers-future/
Reply
John 1:43PM (3/02/2006)
When I saw the Imperial at NAIAS, what struck me were how awkward the proportions were. It seems too short and too high, top-heavy and not at all graceful. It might look better if it sat lower and was a few inches longer (though its awfully big to begin with).
Reply
Richard Warren 2:13PM (3/02/2006)
#9 "The classic Imperial, in my mind is the '64-'66 model run. Chrome, when properly applied, such as on these Imperials and the "suicide-door" '60s Lincolns, is awesome"
My thoughts exactly, that 64 through 66 run for the Imperial was geart, actully for 62 on were very nice. But nothing beats the suicide-door 60s Lincolns for sheer clean styling and class, they still look good today. What few people realize is those cars were engineered for a 20 year life when the average car of that period was about 3. I've looked for one for years but have not found the "right" one
Anyway back to this one, it's a concept guys, a few mionr changes and it could look very nice, just see the other article here re Rolls-Royce, check out the front end. It's all in the minor details.
Reply
max 2:18PM (3/02/2006)
"14. Think its pretty stylish
Posted at 12:49PM on Mar 2nd 2006 by Jen 0 stars"
Wow-a women commenting on Autoblog!
Reply